cracked pots

Message 1.

Today I received this story from a friend. I'd like to share it with you:

An elderly Chinese woman had two large pots, each hung on the ends of a pole, which she carried across her neck. One of the pots had a crack in it while the other pot was perfect and always delivered a full portion of water. At the end of the long walk from the stream to the house, the cracked pot arrived only half full.

For a full two years this went on daily, with the woman bringing home only one and a half pots of water. Of course, the perfect pot was proud of its accomplishments. But the poor cracked pot was ashamed of its own imperfection, and miserable that it could only do half of what it had been made to do.

After 2 years of what it perceived to be bitter failure, it spoke to the woman one day by the stream. "I am ashamed of myself, because this crack in my side causes water to leak out all the way back to your house."

The old woman smiled, "Did you notice that there are flowers on your side of the path, but not on the other pot's side?" "That's because I have always known about your flaw, so I planted flower seeds on your side of the path, and every day while we walk back, you water them. For two years I have been able to pick these beautiful flowers to decorate the table. Without you being just the way you are, there would not be this beauty to grace the house."

SO, to all the 'cracked pots' ... 'crackpots'? ... on this board, provided there are any besides me , have a great day and remember to smell the flowers on your side of the path!

Message 9

In our country there is no need any longer for a woman to carry water from a stream to her home. The water just simply comes out of the tap, cold or hot, or even at exactly the temperature you desire if you have a mixer tap.

However, I'm old enough to remember the times when we didn't have this luxury. I remember my mother fetching the water we needed from a well in the yard. If we wanted warm water a fire had to be made in our wood-burning stove. How times have changed …

Hope this day will treat you well and that it won't give you any reason at all for losing your temper

Message 14

I like your thought. We each may have different qualities but we are all part of the one world. Everything we do, or don't do, has some kind of effect on our fellow beings and our environment, hasn't it?

Message 16

I'm aware that I live in a country with a very high living standard and I'm very thankful for that of course.

I know that there are countries where the women have to carry water from the village well to their home in jars … on their head. Honestly, I admire those strong-backed women, gracefully balancing the jars on their heads. There's no doubt that progress has brought our country increased comfort … back pain included.

It is a fact that many of the people here in Switzerland, even the young, suffer from back pain and obesity, according to a recent study.

Message 17

Hi, IngridI'm sorry for my late reply.I'm from Hungary.Switzerland? That country is famous for watches, isn't it? I'm fond of watches. I've always wanted to buy an Omega, but i haven't got enough money to buy one yet.I'm looking forward to read your next kind story!How old are you?

Message 18

Mucic every kind of music I like listening to apart from noise ones such us heavy rock... ... Evrybody has different tastes... What about you?

I suppose you are very optimistic, humble and kind... Thank you...

Yes, They are very gracefully balancing.... It is better fotr me put this problem aside.. I wish I could change this.... But not possible... Time will solve it but I do not know whether I would see this days or not... Turkey is a at the second category, nor a developed country neither a third world country, when one lives in such country like Turkey, can see easily heaven and hell, Of course If one wants to see, unfortunately our policits can not have enough ability to dee and take actions ... also not enough money... Anyway...

I have not got enough knowledge about country , dear Ingrid, which language do you speak as mother language?

Message 20

Nice to hear from you. You are right Switzerland is famous for watches. Also for mountains, cheese, chocolate and bank accounts . I don't own a Omega watch either, by the way. Too expensive for me!

How old am I? … Young enough to still do all kinds of sports, such as badminton, volleyball, inline skating, ... and old enough to be a grandmother of two cute little boys. 56 years … to be more precise

You'd like to read another story? Well, I'll think about it, but first we are going away for a week skiing. Last night winter has finally come to Switzerland. Everything is covered with a layer of fresh snow. Nice!

How is live in Hungary? Hungary is famous for … well, let me think … Goulash (one of my favourite dishes), folk (gypsy) music, thermal springs, riding schools. What else?

Message 23

I too like all kind of different music, depending on the mood I'm in. Most of my favourite songs are from the 60s, they never fail to conjure up good memories of my teenage years.

Worrying about things you can't change is rather fruitless, I agree. Better focus your attention on the things you can change.

What are the 'heaven' sides of Turkey? It has a terrific coastline and fabulous beaches, I've been told by people who have spent a holiday there. Turkey is like a bridge between Eastern and Western culture, isn't it? It has famous churches, mosques and palaces and a magnificent, sometimes rugged, landscape. Apart from that I don't know much about your country, I have to admit. Do you live in the European or Asian part?

My mother tongue is German. I was born and grew up in Germany but I am now married in Switzerland. Switzerland has four official languages: German, French, Italian and Rumantsch. I live in the German speaking part of Switzerland, near the border to Germany and Austria.

Thank you for praising my English. My knowledge is not huge, I'm afraid, but even so it is no problem at all to understand your English.

Message 24

Hello,Ingrid,How are u?I am fine,and happy to read this beautiful story,which I can listen only from you after all you r the grandma,isnt it?Never mind just joking.In my country also a lot of women fetch water with these pots every day and for every need.For some time its good but if situations like these going to impose on u,it becomes hectic,and creates problems.But the story was so good,that it gives me a lesson that we have to accept some people with all their flaws.What about your family,and ur health,See u,Regards.

Message 26

Hoping that you are well. How lucky you are that in your country you have a chance to learn more 3 different country by speaking... There must be in advantages, but I do not think it may be so important to comminicate. Can be?

So the area you live in, is spoken German. What is Rumantsch? I have never heard of it before?

I live in Istanbul, Asian side To be honest, I do not like European side, I do not know the proper reason why , Maybe the home is best... I feel European side is so crowded, Asian side is too. but .... again but

Heaven side? Everwhere...Hell side? again everywhere...Leo Buscgalia says that take your brush and paint your heaven as soon as possible with your wishes... Is it so easy to do so? What do you think of?

Dear Ingrid, Turkey is famous for her resorts, Mediterian side and Agean side... especially for tourist.. heaven...

Message 27

Ohh, I had red it "life" at first time and simply forgot to answer it, so I'm sorry.

To be true I must say that life isn't ok in Hungary. The government have raised up the pensioner retiring age and took some other unpopular measures. People don't know what will be.I'd like to study at a university next term, but I have to pay for it no matter whatever I do.

By the way, I heard two or three months ago, that there is a huge castle in Switzerland made of of/from (I don't know) ice. Very interesting...

Message 28

I still have to get used to behaving like a proper grandma, but I really like the storytelling part of it. And, of course, I immensely enjoy playing and laughing and clowning around with my grandsons .

I know there are many women who have to work hard, much too hard, to put food on the table for their children. And fetching water is not the only hard work they have to do every day. Living in a rich country like Switzerland one is inclined to shut one's eyes to that fact, I must admit. I've travelled through some other countries when I was young ... many years ago . I'm very glad to have had that experience. It was indeed an eye opener.

Happy you liked the story. I think there aren't many 'pots' without cracks.

Ring the bells that still can ringForget your perfect offering.There is a crack in everything,That is how the light gets in. (by Leonard Cohen)

Message 29

It's no surprise that you don't know Rumantsch, also spelled Romansh sometimes. The language is believed to have descended from Latin, and resembles Italian, French, and Spanish. Only about 50'000 people speak it. I can't understand a single word of Rumantsch, to tell you the truth.

Communication between the different speaking parts of Switzerland works alright, more or less. French is taught at school in the German part, and vice versa. However, English is becoming increasingly popular with the Swiss now and there are talks that in future English should be the first foreign language that is taught at school in all parts of Switzerland. Good idea, I think.

I grew up in Germany. We had to learn English as a first foreign language, which I'm very happy about, because otherwise I could not now communicate with you all on this message board.

Dreams can be a powerful motivator. For me it's good to have dreams as long as I don't lose sight of my present reality completely.

Heaven and hell are maybe just two sides of the same thing. What may seem like heaven to me may feel like hell to someone else. What do you think?

I've been to Istanbul once, but it was only for one day and it's so many years ago I don't remember much. I still know I was very impressed by the market we went to. Have you travelled outside your country?

Message 30

There is an ice palace, hewn from ('from' – I think ) a glacier at the Jungfraujoch railway station. Maybe that is what you've heard of?

The 'Jungfraujoch' is one of Switzerland's famous mountains, and tourist attraction. The railway station is the highest in Europe, as far as I know. I've been skiing in that area some years ago, but I have never been up on the Jungfraujoch yet. I've never been to Hungary either … so many places yet to visit ...

There is a ice hotel in Sweden. Carved each year in November from tons of ice and left to melt away each spring. Amazing, isn't it?

I haven't had the pleasure tasting Hungarian stuffed cabbage yet. What is it stuffed with, ground meat?

What are you going to study at university? What are your interests, and your hobbies? Do you like skiing?

It's a perfect winter day in Switzerland.Hope your day is perfect too So longIngrid

Message 31

You Say 'Heaven and hell are maybe just two sides of the same thing. What may seem like heaven to me may feel like hell to someone else.'

I agree with you The same thing should be life itself,shouldn't ýt?

On the other hand, Now I am reading a book, mostly people are in hell in the book, How can haeven be found and brush.... For example the people who lives in war how can see heaven... It is not possible to take a brush and paint... What can they paint apart from tears... OOps where is my optimistic side.... I have lost for a while .. sorry.... Come back again

It is good that We can comminicate through English

I was in England for 10 months. It was a good experience, it is really good and a necessary to travel and see something else we do not see... It broadens the horizons...

Probably If I have never been to England, I would never meet you at BBC message board, and I would not have met the people I met during my staying in England. My visa will be expiring in March.

Message 32

I'm sure it is very hard for people who live in a war-stricken country to imagine there is a heaven-side of life. The news sometimes show photos of people who suffer from the atrocities of war. I look into their despaired faces, and the eyes of the children who are too young to understand, and it makes me cry, which is no help to anyone, of course. The worst thing about it is that it is man-made suffering.

"What can they paint apart from tears ?" …probably nothing but a frail ray of hope that man will come to reason eventually and that things will improve for them one day. Very sad. Hard to stay optimistic sometimes, I agree.

The pleasant side of life is that we'll be going on a week's ski holiday on Saturday. It has snowed during the past few days in Switzerland and that means perfect conditions with powdery snow. I addition, it looks as if the weather is going to present itself from its sunny side next week. You get snow in Istanbul sometimes, don't you? Do you ski?

I might be too busy for writing tomorrow, but I hope we can pick up our conversation again when I'm back.

Message 33

Dear I do not know what your religion is, but you might me Christan and read Bible. If yes, I want to ask you a question... What is 'Sermon on the Mount'. If you have any information, Could you inform me?

Message 34

My religion is Christian, yes. I was baptized Roman Catholic, but I'm afraid I'm not a very good Catholic now. I hardly ever visit church and I haven't had a look into the bible for a long time.

The Sermon of the Mount is a sermon Jesus held supposedly on a mountain near Capernaum, by the lake of Gennesaret, or Lake Galilee. Jesus talked about the Kingdom of God and what kind of life one has to live to be part of it, namely a life dedicated to pleasing God, a life free from hypocrisy, free from hate, greed, revenge, etc. The sermon starts with the blessings, for example: Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven, or Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy, etc.

If I remember it correctly Jesus' message was that true righteousness is a matter of the heart and not just following certain rules. Also he taught to not seek revenge but turn the other cheek, to love your neighbour and your enemies.

That's all I remember just now, I'm afraid. Hope this helps?

I have to say goodbye for now. I'm looking forward to talking to you again after the holidays.So long, Ingrid

Message 36

Thank you for your message. We definitely enjoyed being in the snow. The weather was just simply perfect, a bright sun smiled from a deep blue sky on every day of the week. A real feast for our souls. We live in a lower part of Switzerland where it often is foggy, so we really enjoyed our stay in the mountains. The slopes were in perfect conditions for skiing, although it was partly thanks to artificially made snow. It hasn't really snowed a lot this winter, it is unusual warm, and the sun is licking away the little snow there is. Anyway, my husband and I are enthusiastic skiers, so we always were the first ones on the slopes and the last ones to go home. Crazy … we are … but it was a fantastic!

Now we are home again and settling back into everyday routine.

What is the weather like in your place? Is it still raining?

Hope you had a good week, and a nice weekend, and I'm looking forward to hearing from you again.Best regards,Ingrid

Message 38

I'm happy you liked my description, thanks very much for your nice words

It's raining here today, which is very unusual for this time of the year. Usually precipitation in February comes in form of snow . I think you are right about global warming. We've had mild winters before, but this one seems extreme.

It's noisy here today. They've just started building a new house across the street from us. The people in our neighbourhood are all very nice, I wonder what our new neighbours will be like. What about your neighbours, do you get along well with them? Do you live in a house, or apartment?

"I tried to look at the bright sight..." … The best thing one can do, I think. Look at the glass half full, instead of half empty.

Or focus on the donut itself rather than on the hole in the donut

As you wander on through life, brother,Whatever be your goal -Keep your eyes upon the donutAnd not upon the hole!- Anonymous

Do you like donuts? (also spelled doughnut). I'm not a very passionate cook, but I quite like baking cakes, or cookies … or donuts. How about you?

Message 39

I agree waht you say about cliamte chaning......a big problem... If it went further, ýt would have been an end for human being on earth...

Last week I watched a programme which is about ice bear , they woke up early from their sleeps ...Human being is in charge of this things... Bye the way... they are so lovely... white skin... climbing up to ise... opsss I love them...

I am fine I am listenning Turkish folk music and my mum singing with... I listen both...Last week I was not fine, the first reason of that my headache... another reason of my failing on finding the job...

Anyway...focus on the donut itself rather than on the hole in the donut sometimes it is so hard to do so... ....

Here is sunny today how strange yesterday was the reverse of this... but If the lovely clouds insist on not to rain, We will have a big problem... drought, lack of water... It seems that It is very very possible and ýt was reported that this summer is gonna be very hot when compared to other summer.. .

so I love spring most... cool weather... have both features of summer and winter...sligtly ones...

I hope your new neighbour are goona kind I live in a apartment so in a flat with my family... Our realations with our neighbours are mostly formal... here is a metropolis, so...

I like donuts but not tried cooking....the reason is I like cooking food most for dinner... I am slow to prepare but I heard many times compliments... I can be able to cook basic things and sometimes looking at the book and I try cooing different kind of this, some of them can be hard to do so... but mostly basic things... bye the way I am not a pratical...

Message 40

Dear Ingrid,I'm sorry, just imagine I had a problem with my internet connection. I'm glad to hear from you again.

Hmm...I've never heard it, but it has a really elaborate name

Yeah, the ice hotel is amazing so much.You're right, we stuff the cabage leaf with ground meet (not "grout" meet?).

I would like to study commerce, marketing and economics. I like surfing the net, doing some body buliding (strictly as a hobby). I walk my little dog every day, it's name is Muki. I've never been skiing, but I think I liked it. Maybe one day!

And where is the next story we've all waiting for?Thanks for your every kindness,

Message 41

I'm not sure if I'd care to meet a polar bear in the wild, but they are awesome creatures, I agree. I have a lovely poster hung up on the wall in my office showing a polar bear mom with her cubs … sooo cute!

There are advantages of living in a small town, no doubt. One knows the neighbours, and most of the people in town, everybody greets everyone on the street … but of course there's curiosity, and a lot of gossip.

Sorry to hear about your headache. Is it migraine? My daughter suffers from it. And I'm sorry to hear you can't find a job. I can imagine it is depressing. What kind of job are you looking for? What is your profession? My profession is travel agency clerk, but I haven't worked in a travel agency since I got married and had a family.

I'm not a passionate cook, but like you, I can cook basic things. The favourite meals with my family are pizza, lasagne, curry, chop suey, goulash, Vienna cutlets and chips, hamburgers, and a few others I don't know the English translations.

I like knitting, yes. My mom taught me how to knit at the age of four. I've knitted countless jumpers, cardigans, baby clothes, mittens, blankets, etc…in my life, but not recently. Now I spend a lot of my free time with reading or doing sports … or writing at the LE message board

Message 42

"Hmm...I've never heard it, but it has a really elaborate name" ... Yes, Indeed! By the way Jungfrau is the German word for 'virgin' (lit. young woman) and Joch means 'mountain top' or 'summit'.

Jungfrau (virgin), Mönch (monk) and Eiger (meaning: sharp, pointed or characteristic) are three peaks of a famous Swiss mountain range. Especially the Eiger's North Face is very famous and attracts climbers from all over the world. There has been an accident not long ago, three young men from Bulgaria died. Very sad.

'Ground' meat, I think, or 'minced' meat. Grout is a kind of plaster, isn't it?

I hope you'll get the chance to study the subjects you are interested in. Walking your dog everyday is a good counterbalance to sitting in front of the PC

Do you have any other pets? We used to have cats, but unfortunately my daughter developed an allergy to cat fur.

Your English is good. How long have you been learning it?

You are waiting for another story? … oh dear! I'll see what I can find. Be patient

Message 43

Hello Ingrid,How are u ,its sooooooooooooooooooooo long to see u,thats why I came here to see u,listen u actually.Its intereting to know that u knew knitting,I like it very much,but Ihave not a single chance in my life to learn it,but my mom has done it for all of us,She used to knit so well,inspite of her job and household work.So how is life in Switzerland these days??????????????See u,Regards.

Message 44

I've looked it up in the dictionary. You can be right, but in Hungary, we say "ground" for example pepper which is a typical Hungarian spice (Hungarian paprika) or ground coffe. On the other hand, we say "grout" meet. Maybe it's lonely in our language, I don't know.

Yeah, I'm fond of animals, especially dogs.My grandmother has a cat, like you did.

Thanks, I've been learning Enlish for 5 years, one year ago I took succesful intermediate language exam.

I should be paient...well, I'll do my best

I would be grateful if you gave me some information about the prices in your country. Please mention some global prudct's price in order to give me chance to compare it.(I hope you've understood it)Thank you in anticipation,

Message 45

Good idea to join us here. I'm sorry, I just noticed that I missed answering your last post in the other thread. Hope you are not too cross with me.

If you had no chance of learning how to knit, how about embroidery or crocheting? By the way, if my mother hadn't taught me how to knit, I would have learnt it at school anyway. At primary school we girls used to have a needlework class every week. Nowadays, after women's liberation, boys and girls together visit either needlework or handicraft classes. Do you have such classes in your schools?

Life in Switzerland is ok. The weather is a bit dreary, cold and rainy, but I shouldn't complain because the sun spoilt us with her brightest smile last week when we were skiing in the mountains.

I'm rather busy these days. Some work has piled up in the office during the week we weren't home, also I should do the annual balancing of sheets and the tax declaration. Privately I've been busy with the usual housework and the laundry in particular.

Tuesday night I played Badminton, last night I accompanied my daughter to a Yoga class, and tonight I'll instruct a Volleyball class to the members of the men's sports club from the neighbouring village. Most of them are beginners. I just hope they'll behave well and follow my instructions .

Well, these are the latest news from Switzerland.Looking forward to hearing yours. Ingrid

Message 46

My headache... I have still sligtly... but It is okey.It is not a migrane. It is very likely that the reason is my sinus...gives me pain as headache. I had better to go to doctor as soon as possible but hospitals and doctors

Jobbb I want to get a job a certain field, so it takes too much time to get, ý must be patient, I have always been patient, especially towards people, how many times I remember my friend have told me that How amazingly you can be so patient... but unfortunately I can admit that I am not patient as before...it is diminishing but still I am

My certain field is Human Resourse. I am an inexperinced and I have no important person to back me getting job easily (ýn Turkey If you have one important person, it is not important what your qualitifacition is ,even you can be stupid)...and also unemployment rate is high in my country and also I have maybe no luck I have some dreams in my life I insistly want to come true and.. for these... so I am very stubborn as mule as...so I am waiting so long time...some times very depressing especially when unequlity is seen clearly...

What future brings? I do not know... maybe there will be a point I will say good bye to my dream due to realizing nothing is in my hand, or will get it...

hýmmm...where there's a will there's a way...

or better late than ever

Today I was at my sister's home. She is on a four day holiday. She invited many people... I was there and my head was swollen by noisy...My sister wanted me to cook a food which she likes... I will tell you how I do...firstly macaroni boils... and a carrot, a patote, some peas boil as well... after boiling, I left them cooling... while they are relaxing, I put yoghurt and mayonnaise into pot, mix them till it is smooth and add salt... after cooling, mixed them together... here it is for you

I like doing such easy things... Do you like aubergine? An easy reciepe, boil taubergine, after cooling boiled-aubergine mixed with yoghurt and add some salt... If you want you may make sauce... put oil on fire for 2-3 min. and take it from fire and add chilli... put sauce onto -yoghurt-aubergine...

I will give you another one... ýt is with spinach..after boiled-spanich, you cut into onion.. and put it with oil on fire... when onions are getting ready enough, add egg, mix them while they are on fire , after that add spinach and mix again when they are on fire... and it is ready

These are my easy foods to do. I am not good at giving recipe supposingly.. I hope I did it well this time

You learned knitting at the age of 4. Oh my goddness In my life it was the 4 years ago I decided to knit a weft to my youngest brother as a birthday gift...Thanks my friends they all helped me, I did drive them crazy with my mistakes, but they even never told me any word like offf Demet . Anyway I remember that I finished knitting at midnight 3:00, and delivered it to Istanbul.

Now again I started knitting, again very easy, now my mum help me, this time a sort of scarf... I counted.. I did 15... 3 of them is mine... I gave 12 away as gifts...

To be honest I can not knit jumpers, cardigans, baby clothes... They are very hard to me... I am able to do so basic things... but the feeling of creating smth is so beautiful...

Message 47

Maybe you should ask a native speaker at the Ask A Question message board about 'grout' meat. Maybe you can use the term, I'm not sure. By the way, the literal translation of the German word for ground meat, or minced meat is 'hacked' meat.

Congratulations on passing the intermediate language exam. I had some basic English classes at school, many years ago, but I've never done any intermediate or advanced tests in English, I'm afraid.

Unlike Hungary, Switzerland is not a member of the EU and therefore we still pay in Swiss Francs. Of course there are differences of prices depending on where you shop but here are some approximate prices just to give you an idea:Milk 1 litre = Fr. 1.40; Cup of coffee (in a restaurant) Fr. 3.00 – 4.00, or even more in some places; Bread ½ kg = Fr. 3.00 – 3.50; Apples 1 kg = Fr. 2.50 - 3.90, they are cheaper if you buy them directly from the grower;Petrol unleaded 1 litre = approx. Fr. 1.50;Digital camera, a reasonable good one = from Fr. 400 For my Health Insurance - basic with a high excess (that means the insurance only pays if my doctor bills are higher than Fr. 1'500 in a year) I have to pay Fr. 220 a month;The rent for our 5-bedroom house ( if we had to rent it ) would be around Fr. 1'500 or higher;

1 Swiss Franc is approx. 0.62 Euro.

Are there any prices in particular that you are interested in?

The weekend is coming up. Are you doing anything special?Have a nice timeIngrid

"If you have one important person, it is not important what your qualitifacition is …" It's not fair, is it?

To know the right person is a big help in Switzerland too, of course. We jokingly say you need 'vitamin B'. The 'B' stands for our word 'Beziehung' which means connection, contact or relationship.

My daughter couldn't get her dream job right away, so she decided to do another job for a while and earn some money. In summer she'll start a continued education to finally make her dream come true. I know the problems young job applicants experience from the time when my children were looking for jobs. Many employers advertise for young, dynamic job applicants, but they should also have a lot of experience. Where from I wonder, if they are still young?

Thank you so much for your easy recipes. You explained them very well and I'm sure to try them out soon. Maybe there is hope for more variety in my cuisine after all.

I'll have to cook for 7 people on Sunday, all belong to our family. I'm looking forward to their visit and especially to seeing my grandsons. . When I asked little Florin (my grandson) what I should cook for them he said a curry dish and potato chips, and a chocolate cake and a dessert . Well, I think I'll be busy …and I'll have to think about the chips, I usually serve rice with curry.

Nice to hear about your knitting adventure . … at 3.00 am in the morning? Incredible.

Message 50

Hello Ingrid.How are u,may be busy in preparing delicious food for ur relatives and grandsonIhave changed my nick,its now daffodilz.Well I would like to share a story whic I read from a magzine,I like it very much,hope u would also like it.

Three sons left home,went out on their own and prospered.Getting together for Christmas they discussed the gifts they were able to give their elderly mother.The first said,"I built a big house for our mother.The second said,'I sent her a mercedes'.The third smiled and said,'I've got u both beaten.You remember how much mom enjoyed reading poetry?and you know she can't see very well.So I sent her a remarkable parrot that can recite 1000 poems.It took its owner 12 years to teach him.He is one of a kind.

Mom just have to name the poem,and the parrot recites it.

Soon there after mom sent out her letters of thanks:Dear Milton,she wrote to her first son,'the house u built is so huge,I use only one room,but I have to keep the whole house clean.'

'Dear Gerald,'she wrote to yhe second son,'I am too old to travel.I stay at home at most of the time,so I rarely use the Mercedes.'

'Dearest Donald,'she wrote to her third son,'You have the good sense to know what ur mother likes.The chicken was delicious.

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